Royal family mourns Prince Philip

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The Royal Family on Saturday paid their final respects to the Duke of Edinburgh at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. 

The funeral, attended by just 30 family members in order to adhere to coronavirus restrictions, highlighted Prince Phillip’s “unwavering loyalty” to the Queen alongside his “courage, fortitude and faith” in serving the country and the Commonwealth, Bishop David John Conner, the Dean of Windsor said. 

The Duke who died on April 9 at the age of 99, was the longest serving royal consort in British history following his retirement from official duties in 2017. 

Ahead of the service on Saturday morning, the Duke’s coffin was moved from the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle where he had been lying in rest, to the State Entrance.

The procession to St George’s Chapel for the 3pm ceremony began at 2.45pm, with the Duke’s coffin carried on a Land Rover that he helped modify and design.

Members of the Royal Family including Princess Anne and Prince Charles followed the coffin on foot, while the Queen travelled at the back of the procession in a state Bentley, escorted by a lady in waiting.

Members of the Royal Family follow the Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin © Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty
The Duke’s coffin is carried into St George’s Chapel. © Danny Lawson/Pool via Getty

The procession route was lined with military representatives including the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Royal Air Force. More than 700 military personnel took part in the funeral proceedings.

The service, which began after a national minute of silence, paid tribute to the Duke’s lifetime of service and was conducted by the Dean of Windsor. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby pronounced the blessing. 

Speaking during the bidding prayers, the Dean of Windsor said: “Our lives have been enriched through the challenges that he has set us, the encouragement that he has given us, his kindness, humour and humanity”.

The Archbishop of Canterbury reflected on the Duke’s “faith and loyalty” as well as his “high sense of duty and integrity”.

Buckingham Palace said that while some elements of the funeral plan had to be modified, the overall structure of the day had been in line with the Duke’s wishes. 

The Queen sits alone in Saint George’s Chapel © Jonathan Brady/Pool via AP
Pallbearers carry the Duke’s coffin © Dominic Lipinski/Pool via Getty

No eulogy or sermon was read out during the service. However, a choir of four sang pieces handpicked by the Duke, including a 19th century hymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save by William Whiting, which has links with the Royal Navy.

The 30 guests at the chapel included the Queen and Camilla, the duchess of Cornwall, alongside Princes William Prince Harry. The family did not wear military attire but opted for day dresses and morning coats with medals.

Members of the congregation wore masks and sat socially distanced, in line with coronavirus regulations. The Queen sat alone during the service.

The public were also encouraged not to pay their respects in person but to follow coverage of the funeral on television or radio.

Following the service, which lasted for around 50 minutes, the Duke’s coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault.

Members of the public observe a two-minute silence outside Windsor Castle during the funeral © Christopher Furlong/Getty
A minute’s silence was observed at Piccadilly Circus in central London © Niklas Halle’n/AFP/Getty

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